The Khmer Rouge tribunal in Phnom Penh will start its first substantial hearings as Duch – the former head of the torture center Tuol Sleng – will give his testimony. This article give a pretty good background on this life.

An estimated 17.000 prisoners were tortured at Tuol Sleng during the Khmer Rouge years (1975 – 1979). All but a very few of them were later killed.

Cambodia is considered to be one of the most corrupt countries in the world. Power abuse by the elite is common and the poor and weak are often defenseless. Very often the abuse is not disclosed as many of the media organizations have close connections to the ruling Cambodian People’s Party.

This is only one reason why developing strong and independent media is extremely important for Cambodia. Good journalists are indeed needed in order to push forward democracy and transparency.